By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
The Commissioner of Police Lagos Command Abiodun Alabi may have incurred the wrath of the acting President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Dr. Kayode Farinto in the alleged invasion of the association’s secretariat by some former board members described as dissidents and thugs.
Farinto, who accused the police boss of culpability to the act, posited that CP Alabi shouldn’t have granted their request to access the secretariat for a meeting.
It would be recalled that the Police Commissioner had granted the request of the erswhile board members which include Taiwo Mustapha, Taiye Oyeniyi, John Offordike, elder Samuel One, Gideon Nwagbaraocha, Amope Oluokun, Yetunde Ilori, Mike Okolichi and Charlies Jefas access to the secretariat via a letter and also gave them police backup on August 24, 2022.
However, Farinto said the Commissioner of Police was wrong to have given a counter order to the Divisional Police Officer in charge the area to allow the have a meeting in the secretariat knowing fully well that they are dissidents.
The Acting ANLCA Boss claimed that Alabi was aware of the pending court case over the leadership of the association and the advice of the Commissioner of Police Legal Department, Force Headquarters on the matter.
” Yes, the CP is aware and he is the one that suggested that both parties should talk and settle. Talks have been going on between the two parties, though the Mustapha group is foot dragging.
“The CP ought to have known that the Mustapha group had been suspended. Before now, the police had stationed two officers who were Manning the secretariat after the attack early in the year by same group”, Farinto queried.
In his reaction via a whatapp message to New Nigerian Newspaper, CP Alabi described the allegations as baseless and unfounded.
He posited that his mandate is to ensure that the was no breakdown of law and order by the warring factions.
His words, ” I dont have any reaction. I’m not their member. My mandate is to prevent breakdown of law and order by the warring factions .
“Any idiot can make baseless and unfounded allegations and I don’t care about that.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Association, Alhaji Babatunde Mukaila disclosed that every effort is being made to regain access into the secretariat.
Mukaila said there will be a meeting with the Police on Thursday where CP will be informed of the issues on hand, including the court judgements ordering NECOM not to recognize Mustapha group.
Among members of the new Board that attended the Monday Board meeting were Prince Ozo Chukwura Vice Chairman, Chief Kingsley Offor Secretary, Shamsideen Awopeju,Igbaroola Eniola John, Abel Timothy Ayokunle, Obi Azodo and Chief Igwe Odinaka.
In a related development, the Eastern Zone ANLCA has described the action of the Mustapha group claiming to have sacked the elected President of the Association, Iju Tony Nwabunike and his Deputy, Dr. Farinto Kayode, as simply unconstitutional.
The zone also said what the Mustapha group did was “wanton act of thuggery” at the National Secretariat in Lagos.
Part of the statement reads, “The Eastern Zone is solidly behind the Tony Iju Nwabunike’s led National Executive Committee and the Acting Presiden, Dr Farinto Collins Kayode.
“We disassociate ourselves from any act that prejudice the decisions of the National Executive Council and the ANLCA SUPREME CONSTITUTION as amended on 16 December 2020.
“That any action, appointment and directives by the erstwhile Board of Trustees whose tenure elapsed by duration in February 2020 is null and void.
“That any such action or inactions that is in aberration of elections, appointments and committees as stipulated in the ANLCA Constitution is illegal within the tenets of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents.
“We made this release to guide the public on the misinformation trending in the social media.”
